A Cozy Igloo Experience!
Durham, NC is home to a fun holiday/winter-themed experience you’ll love! The igloos at Unscripted Hotel, offer a festive and intimate winter wonderland setting right in the heart of downtown Durham. The igloo experience includes a coursed meal set inside a cozy (and heated) outdoor igloo located right on the hotel’s rooftop patio. My family & I enjoyed our igloo experience so much, that we’ve decided to make it a yearly tradition! Please keep reading to learn more about the igloos.
Unscripted Hotel
Unscripted Durham is a boutique hotel that was originally built in the 1960s. It has since been renovated into 74 rooms and suites that perfectly blend mid-century design with the modern day. Unscripted offers The Patio, which is their lively outdoor rooftop. The Patio serves new American cuisine (and drinks) with views of downtown Durham, and this is the same space that is transformed in the winter for the igloos! While I only stayed for the igloo experience, you can certainly book the hotel for a stay!
Unscripted Durham is located at 202 Corcoran Street, Durham, NC 27701.
Booking Your Igloo Experience
Reservations are required to secure your igloo. Dates fill fast so it’s best to book your date ASAP. According to information I’ve found on the web, the igloos will be available until March 2024, but I recommend you contact Unscripted directly to be sure of the end date.
All reservation experiences are for two hours from the booked reservation time. A credit card is required at the time of booking, but the card on file is only to hold the reservation. You are not charged unless there is a no-show or cancellation less than 48 hours ahead of the reservation. It is important to note that reservations that are more than 30 minutes late will be considered a no-show, so you don’t want to be late. Here is the OpenTable link to book your reservation: Igloos at Unscripted Restaurant – Durham, NC | OpenTable
Igloos at Unscripted
The igloo experience is priced at $60.00 per person and it features a pre-set food menu. During my experience, the menu consisted of 4 courses and an optional Cheese course. Be sure to check me out on IG to see a reel that features the menu and what I selected! Optional wine pairings, cocktails, and other beverages are available for a la carte purchase.
The cocktails were festive and I enjoyed my Dipping Into Santa’s Kool-Aid (a cocktail made with rum, blood orange, white cranberry, cardamom, and lime). Be prepared for steep prices for the alcoholic beverages, my cocktail was $15!
The course options were varied and all delicious. I started with a mixed green salad with roasted squash, goat cheese, dried cranberries, and candied walnuts, followed by pappardelle with fried squash & walnuts as my second course. My main entree consisted of a rosemary roasted airline chicken with crispy brussel sprouts, and for dessert, I finished the meal with a white chocolate bread pudding topped with caramel creme. My family all picked different course items and they enjoyed their meals as well.
You can expect personal and attentive service at the Igloos. Our server checked on us frequently, made sure the temperature inside the Igloo was comfortable, and even offered to make some menu modifications for us. A standard 20% gratuity was automatically added to our bill, and we happily tipped on top as the service was outstanding!
Just Book Your Igloo Already!
Thanks for Reading!
Thank you so much for reading and I hope this post inspires you to get in the holiday spirit inside a cozy igloo at Unscripted Durham!
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Charlotte, NC, The Queen City
As the largest city in North Carolina, Charlotte (aka The Queen City) is the perfect blend of Southern charm and modern urbanism. With its professional sports teams, iconic skyline, cultural attractions, and fabulous dining scene, Charlotte really does have something for everyone to enjoy!
A City Fit For A Queen
The city of Charlotte is named in honor of the German Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz who had become the Queen Consort of Great Britain and Ireland in 1761. If you’re not a history buff, but you’re a Bridgerton fan, it’s THAT Queen Charlotte! The city was named in her honor by European settlers in 1768. Since its humble beginnings, the Charlotte metropolitan area has grown to a population of over 900,000 people and it’s now the 17th largest city in the United States!
Charlotte Sports You Don’t Want To Miss!
Charlotte is a city with a strong sports culture. Whether you are into football, basketball, or motorsports, Charlotte definitely has you covered:
- Nascar Hall of Fame – Did you know Charlotte is the motorsports capital of the United States? The Nascar Hall of Fame is located here and it’s a must-visit for the entire family! Follow the link provided to see everything the Hall experience provides and find out all the info you need to plan your visit.
- Carolina Panthers – NFL fans rejoice! Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers (since 1993) and their home games are played at Bank of America Stadium in Uptown Charlotte. What better way to experience the city than at a football game?
- Charlotte Hornets – More of an NBA fan? Charlotte is home to the Hornets who play at the Spectrum Center in Uptown Charlotte.
- U.S. National Whitewater Center – Whitewater Center features 1,300 acres of recreation grounds with whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, rappelling, rock climbing, and more.
But Wait, There’s More!
If you’re not the biggest sports fan, don’t worry! Charlotte is full of so much more. Museums like the Levine Museum of the New South & the Mint Museum can provide you with a diverse range of cultural experiences. The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Uptown Charlotte is a premier venue for Broadway shows, concerts, and performances, and is currently hosting the Charlotte International Arts Festival.
If amusement parks are your jam, you’ll definitely want to check out Carowinds. With over 60 rides and attractions and all your favorite amusement park foods & games, Carowinds will entertain the whole family! If you visit now (until October 29), you can experience Scarowinds which features some fun spooky rides, haunted mazes, and more!
Must Eat Spots in Charlotte
Charlotte has no shortage of great food places. Whatever your appetite or budget, the city has something for you! Here are just a few of my favorite spots:
- Reigning Donuts – Hands down the best donuts in Charlotte. They have later hours than most donut shops so you can get your sweet fix at night too!
- Big Ben Pub – Check out Big Ben Pub and get the best Fish n’ Chips in town!
- Cheat’s Cheesesteaks – Great for lunch or a late-night bite, Cheat’s has some great cheesesteaks and subs (the fries are pretty great too!). Cheat’s is carry out only, so expect to enjoy your sandwich to go or at one of the many picnic tables they have on site.
- The Fig Tree Restaurant – If you’re looking for a delicious dinner, an extensive wine list, and a romantic atmosphere, Fig Tree has you covered. Located inside a 1913 Craftsman bungalow, the restaurant is the perfect date night spot in Charlotte.
Be sure to head to my IG to see videos and photos of more of the spots I mentioned here!
Thanks for Reading!
Thank you for reading and I hope this post inspired you to take a trip to the Queen City! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you love most about Charlotte!
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Hey guys! Wilmington, NC is one of my favorite cities to visit. It’s convenient to my hometown of Durham, NC, it’s got the beach, plenty of charming hotels, and lots of activities for the whole family. Most importantly it’s full of great food! Here are some of my favorite spots in Wilmington!
Bagel King & Donuts
Bagel King & Donuts offers the most delicious bagel sandwiches ever, and the donuts are pretty good too! The shop is open early (6:30 am most days), so it’s perfect for breakfast. You can purchase freshly baked bagels individually, by the dozen, or go for a sandwich like I did. There is a wide variety of bagels, spreads, fillings, and toppings to choose from so be prepared to study the menu for a bit. I definitely recommend Bagel King for a quick breakfast in Wilmington.
Brooklyn Cafe & Market
Located in Wilmington’s historic downtown district, Brooklyn Cafe & Market is a small cafe serving some delicious fare. Brooklyn Cafe serves scratch-baked pastries, coffee, beer, wine, and more. I stopped in for an order of their famous beignets and my favorite drink, a London Fog. Both were delicious and the service at the Brooklyn Cafe was top-notch!
Los Portales Taqueria
After a fun-filled day at Kure Beach, I was ready for some tacos and margaritas and Los Portales Taqueria hit the spot for both! Los Portales is just a short drive from Wilmington Beach and was super close to my hotel, The Hive. The menu features fresh Mexican fare, with lots of unique margaritas to pair with it. The taco fillings go from your standard asada, pollo, carnitas, and chorizo to beef stomach, beef cheek, and tripe. Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, there is something for everyone. I enjoyed the food but I LOVED the margaritas. They were made with fresh fruit puree and were perfect after a hot day on the beach. Please give Los Portales and try when you’re in Wilmington and need your taco (and margarita) fix!
Elijah’s Seafood Restaurant
For a classic seafood dinner in Wilmington, I highly recommend Elijah’s. Elijah’s is located right on the Wilmington Riverwalk and they offer some al fresco dining. It was so relaxing sitting on the patio, watching the sunset, and enjoying a great meal! The menu is your standard seafood restaurant fare, crabcakes, seafood platters, oysters, and a fresh catch of the day. The menu also features some land items if you’re not a seafood lover. My husband and I really enjoyed the crab dip as our appetizer and we both got a fried seafood platter with flounder, shrimp, scallops, and oysters, fried to golden perfection! Elijah’s also offers a wide variety of alcoholic beverages and I highly recommend you make a reservation before you visit.
Thanks for Reading!
I appreciate you joining me at some of my favorite Wilmington restaurants! I’d love to hear what some of your go-to spots are…be sure to leave a comment!
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Hey guys! I’m here with a quick post to let you know it’s that time of year again! The sunflowers are at peak bloom at Dorothea Dix Park!
Dorothea Dix Park Sunflowers
The sunflower fields at Dix Park offer 5 acres of sunflowers and they are free to visit 7 days-a-week, from dawn to dusk. During peak bloom, more than 100,000 people from across the city and around the region visit the sunflowers at Dix Park!
In addition to the sunflower field being free to visit, parking is also free, AND pets are welcome! The Dix Park Sunflower site has all the info you need on the best places to park and the best routes to get there. (I’ve linked the site for you).
Peak Sunflower Bloom is Happening Now at Dix Park!
It’s currently peak bloom at Dix Park making it the perfect time to visit! In addition to walking the sunflower fields, you can also enjoy Food Trucks & Beer during peak bloom. Friday, July 21 from 5-9 pm, Saturday, July 22 from 11 am to 3 pm, and again from 5-9 pm, local Food Trucks will be onsite. On Saturday, July 22, visitors can enjoy acoustic music by local musicians and beer from Trophy Brewing from 5-8 pm. (*Dates are subject to change based on sunflower bloom and inclement weather)
Explore More Outdoors!
I’m so glad I stepped outside my box and explored the sunflower fields at Dix Park! Raleigh is right in my backyard and part of my goal with my blog is to explore my hometown more. I was able to get some great photos, venture to a part of Raleigh I’ve never been to before, AND I learned some interesting facts about sunflowers, all by being willing to explore more outdoors!
Here are some facts I learned during my visit to the sunflower fields:
- 280,000 sunflower seeds were planted in mid-May
- The sunflower field is a massive pollinator habitat for bees, butterflies, and other wildlife.
- After the bloom, the sunflowers are left for birds and other wildlife to eat the seeds throughout the fall.
- Late in the year, Raleigh Water clears the field and plants a winter cover crop.
Helpful Tips For Your Visit to Dix Park
- SUNSCREEN is a must! The fields are full sun so PLEASE wear your sunscreen and remember to reapply!
- I recommend bug spray. The fields are full of insects so a little bug spray is a good idea
- Bring plenty of water! I arrived at the fields around 10 am and it was already so hot & humid! Definitely bring yourself plenty of water to stay hydrated as you explore the fields.
- Wear closed-toe shoes. I wore my favorite Birkenstock slides and it probably wasn’t the best choice. The sunflower fields are muddy in spots and some of the terrain can be a little rocky. Exploring the fields isn’t strenuous at all, you just want to be dressed appropriately.
- Bring your camera! The sunflower fields are absolutely stunning and the photo opportunities are limitless! Just remember not to disturb, or pick any of the flowers during your photo shoots.
- Have fun!
Thanks for reading and be sure to leave me a comment about other spots in Raleigh I should visit!
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Durham, North Carolina
I’m lucky enough to call Durham North Carolina home and I can tell you first hand, Durham has so much to offer! Durham is home to prestigious universities (Duke University & North Carolina Central University), world-renowned medical and research facilities, a vibrant culinary scene, and countless picturesque parks, to name just a few attractions. Durham has been my hometown for over 18 years and I’m still discovering new ways to love the Bull City!
The Bull City
The nickname for Durham is Bull City and the name originated from the Bull Durham Tobacco Company. During the late 1800s, Durham was a booming tobacco town and the Bull Durham Tobacco Company was the premier manufacturer of tobacco products. The flagship product of the company was Bull Durham Smoking Tobacco, and the logo featured the iconic bull image we all recognize (and love) today! As Durham grew and thrived, the nickname “Bull City” emerged and serves today as a proud reminder of Durham’s industrial heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
To Know Durham Is To Love Durham
Since Durham is my hometown, I am keeping this post short and sweet because you’ll see so many more in-depth posts about specific attractions I love in the Bull City! In the meantime, here are some of my favorite things to do in the city, with links to the respective websites. I’d love any comments about what you’re favorite things to see and do in Durham are!
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens – Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a 55-acre garden featuring vibrant flowers, serene water features, peaceful trails, and the most beautiful landscapes. It’s a must-see for any visit to Durham!
- Durham Bulls Baseball Team – Attending a Durham Bulls is a quintessential experience for locals and visitors alike. Who doesn’t love enjoying a hot dog and watching a baseball game?
- Museum of Life and Science – Voted the Triangle’s Best Museum, The Durham Museum of Life & Science is an 84-acre interactive museum perfect for the whole family!
Thanks for reading all about my love of Durham and I hope you’ll check back in for more details on my hometown!
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I recently enjoyed a fun day trip to Greensboro, NC and I’d like to share the details with you all in hopes you’ll visit Greensboro too! Greensboro is located just shy of an hour from the Triangle and it’s the third largest city in North Carolina, behind Charlotte and Raleigh. The city of Greensboro is often called the Triad with Winston Salem and High Point. Greensboro is home to several universities including North Carolina A&T, the University of North Carolina Greensboro, and the well-known 23,500-seat Greensboro Coliseum, the second-largest coliseum in the US. Of course, there’s more to the city than just universities and the Coliseum! Lush green spaces, historical sites, artistic venues, and countless restaurants and shops make Greensboro a town that has something for everyone!
Greensboro NC & The Civil Rights Movement
My husband and I took a trip to the F. W. Woolworth building, located in downtown Greensboro, which is the home of the first sit-in demonstration of the Civil Rights Movement. Four A&T State University freshmen (known as the Greensboro Four) sat down at a segregated F.W. Woolworth’s lunch counter in 1960 and refused to leave after being denied service. The sit-in movement soon spread to college towns throughout the South. Many of the protestors were arrested for trespassing, disorderly conduct, or disturbing the peace, their actions made an immediate impact, forcing Woolworths and other establishments to change their segregationist policies. It was incredibly powerful visiting the Civil Rights Museum. I highly recommend including a stop on your visit to Greensboro.
Exploring Greensboro
I’m always on the hunt for a good sandwich and I discovered an awesome sandwich shop called The Bodega, located in downtown Greensboro (right across from The Carolina Theater). As listed on their website, The Bodega is a locally owned business, that gives patrons a place to come, drink and relax indoors or out on the shaded patio. The Bodega serves beer and wine in-house daily, they offer a ton of grab-and-go snacks along with other household needs AND they offer the most incredible made-to-order sandwiches! Be sure to include The Bodega on your lunch break list!
Other Fun Spots to Visit in Greensboro
- Greensboro Science Center – The Science Center is one of Greensboro’s most-visited attractions, and it features an Aquarium, Zoological Park, and a museum.
- Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden – These gorgeous gardens cover over 7 acres and are a great spot for sightseeing and relaxation.
- Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe – Wet ‘n Wild is a fun waterpark situated just on the outskirts of Greensboro. It’s a fun experience for the entire family!
- The Carolina Theater – The Carolina Theater opened in 1927 and was the first air-conditioned commercial building in North Carolina! Now you can watch modern movies on the big screen as well as enjoy live entertainment at the theater.
Start Planning Your Trip To Greensboro, North Carolina!
Greensboro, North Carolina is a city full of history, art, nature, food, and so much more! You owe it to yourself to check it out! What is your favorite thing about Greensboro? Leave a comment and let me know!
Other North Carolina Posts You Might Like:
- Come And Take A Stroll On The Beautiful Wilmington Riverwalk
- The Most Fantastic Food Finds in Wilmington, North Carolina!
- Don’t Miss the Beautiful Sunflower Bloom at Dix Park!
- A “Sweet” All-Suite Hotel You’ll Love!
- A Lovely Day on The Carolina Beach Boardwalk
- No Bull, Durham Really Does Have It All!
Wilmington, NC Riverwalk
Wilmington is a coastal town located in southeastern North Carolina. Many fun things to experience in Wilmington include visiting the beach, shopping, dining, and sightseeing. For this post, I am just going to focus on the Wilmington Riverwalk!
The Riverwalk is a nearly two-mile showstopper stroll alongside the historic Cape Fear River. The pathway leads from Nunn Street to the Isabella Homes Bridge and is lined with unique shops, outdoor cafes, and markets. There are multiple hotels located very near the riverwalk, including The Hive where we enjoyed a great stay!
Strolling The Riverwalk
Well-known Wilmington landmarks like the Cotton Exchange, the USS North Carolina Battleship, and the 1914 Murchison Building are all located along the scenic Riverwalk route. In addition to these popular destinations, the Riverwalk is full of local shops, historic structures, and numerous works of art. In 2014, USA Today voted the Wilmington Riverwalk as the “Best American Riverfront” and it is certainly a well-deserved title!
The Riverwalk itself is a wooden walkway that leads right through the heart of downtown. I personally enjoyed walking the path in the early morning hours with joggers and dog walkers. The Riverwalk is equally enjoyable at night, as the path is lighted with decorative hanging street posts. There are benches and embedded stools throughout the route for visitors who want to sit down, relax, and enjoy the Wilmington breeze!
As a community boardwalk, The Riverwalk is open 24/7 with no charge to stroll along the Wilmington waterfront. With its beautiful scenery, and proximity to dining, shopping, and lodging, the Riverwalk is a must-stop for any visit to Wilmington!
Share Your Riverwalk Experience!
I’d love to hear what your favorite part of the Riverwalk at Wilmington is or if this post inspired you to visit for the first time! Please leave your comments and let me know!
Other North Carolina Posts You Might Like:
- A “Sweet” All-Suite Hotel You’ll Love!
- The Most Fantastic Food Finds in Wilmington, North Carolina!
- Don’t Miss Out On The Fun in Greensboro, NC!
- No Bull, Durham Really Does Have It All!
- Don’t Miss The Beautiful Sunflower Bloom at Dix Park!
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The Hive Hotel, Wilmington, North Carolina
The Hive is a 15-room all-suite boutique hotel located in Wilmington, North Carolina. The property was built in 2019 and is located steps from downtown Wilmington, with shops, restaurants, and attractions all nearby. All 15 rooms are styled differently, with some rooms offering a city view and some featuring a terrace. Here are some of the nice features at the Hive:
- Self Check-In. We never had to stop by the front desk to check into our suite. Check-in was done online and we were sent our room information via text. It was super convenient!
- Full-size kitchens in every suite
- High-Speed Internet was available throughout the property
- Onsite laundry facilities
- Onsite fitness center
- Pet-friendly suites are available (for an additional fee and WITH approval)
- Off-street parking for an additional fee. The $19.00 per day parking fee was well worth it for us. The Hive has its own dedicated parking lot just across from the hotel.
- Quiet time for all suites from 10 pm to 7 am.
TikTok Made Me Do It!
How did I end up at the Hive? Once my husband and I decided to check out Wilmington on our days off, I immediately began my search for the best places to stay (and eat)! I turned to TikTok and I saw several recommendations for the Hive. Once I saw the prime location of the Hive, I knew it was the hotel for us! We wanted to be near Carolina Beach but not ON the beach and we definitely wanted to be within walking distance to lots of restaurant options. The Hive well located; it is only 16 miles from Carolina Beach, steps from tons of dining AND the beautiful River Walk is just up the street.
Just Book It…
If you’re looking for accommodations in Wilmington, strongly consider the Hive. The rooms are spacious and stylish, and the location is unbeatable! I’ve got a longer blog post coming, all about our adventures in Wilmington, but I wanted to do a quick spotlight on the Hive. If you’ve stayed at the Hive before, leave a comment and let me know about your experience!
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